PEB building as a climate solution
How should the climate agreement be implemented? For example, with houses that produce more energy than they need themselves. That, at least, is the proposal of the Solar Agency Switzerland, which has just awarded the 31st Swiss Solar Prize.
A total of 71 solar projects were submitted for this year's Swiss Solar Prize. Almost half of the buildings submitted are so-called PlusEnergyBuildings (PEB). They produce more climate-friendly electricity than they need themselves. Energy that can also be used for emission-free road traffic.
Excellent examples
On November 2, 2021 was the time, the Solar Agency Switzerland awarded the best solar projects 20212. We briefly present three exemplary buildings.
Example 1 - Multipurpose building
This 45-year-old multi-purpose building in Fläsch GR has become an architectural and energetic bijou after its extension and renovation. Before the renovation, the building consumed around 60,300 kWh per year. Despite doubling the energy reference area from 874 to 1564 m2 , the energy demand has only increased by 5'000 kWh/a. This is due to the very good insulation. An east-west oriented 174 kW PV system was installed on the enlarged roof. It produces 179'700 kWh/a and thus ensures a self-energy supply of a proud 275%. The surplus electricity of 114,200 kWh/a is used directly by the neighboring Klinik Gut, reducing its electricity consumption from the grid by one third. Thanks to the successful conversion, the community of Fläsch now has a new multipurpose building that, together with the school building, enhances the community's image, emphasizes the Solar Prize jury. It is the winning project in the PlusEnergyBuildings category.
Example 2 - Minergie-P housing estate
The PlusEnergy housing estate in Thônex GE, which was realized in 2020 and consists of four Minergie-P apartment buildings, requires a total of 27,600 kWh per year. Thanks to exemplary thermal insulation (33 to 38 cm) and U-values of 0.09 to 0.10 W/m2K, the energy consumption of the building complex is very low. The 50.7 kW east-west oriented photovoltaic roof system produces 43,300 kWh of CO2-free solar electricity annually. Thus, the self-energy supply amounts to 157%. With the solar power surplus of 15'700 kWh/a, in addition to the four electric vehicles of the residents, another seven e-cars can be fueled with solar energy and drive 12'000 km emission-free each year. In total, they avoid more than 30 tons of CO2 traffic emissions per year.
Example 3 - Apartment buildings
The two multi-family houses (MFH) Sunnäplätzli in Giswil OW with a total of 15 apartments are built sustainably. Thanks to good roof insulation, these PEB buildings require 126,200 kWh/a. The 138 kW PV system on the roofs generates 142'800 kWh of electricity annually. The settlement's own energy supply amounts to 113%. A large part of the wood used in the construction comes from the region. Wood from the region is also used for the wood chip heating. With the solar power surplus (own energy supply: 113%) of these two MFH, the equivalent of twelve e-cars can each drive 12,000 km per year without emissions.
For more information about the services offered by the Solar Agency Switzerland awarded projects and personalities.
Other topics:
The solar facade unfortunately does not get off the ground
Solar power: infrastructure plants have great potential
